(a) Before reviewing a Request Package, the Secretary will assign a Program number to the Request Package and so inform the requester (or his or her representative) in writing. All correspondence to the requester (or his or her representative) about a specific Request Package will be referenced by this Program number.
(b) Before the Secretary will pay benefits under this Program, he must determine that:
(1) The requester or his or her representative submitted a completed (to the fullest extent possible) and signed Request Form within the governing filing deadline;
(2) The requester meets the eligibility requirements set out in this part (including a determination that a covered injury was sustained); and
(3) The requester is entitled to receive benefits from the Program. In making this determination, the Secretary will decide the type(s) and amounts of benefits that will be paid to the requester.
(c) Once the Secretary has sufficient documentation to make an eligibility or benefits determination, he will make the decision in a timely manner.